Neurocritical care certification pathways

UCNS neurocritical care certification eligibility includes primary specialty board certification and an unrestricted license, along with an eligible pathway. The UCNS criteria describe fellowship, practice, academic appointment and internationally trained faculty pathways for physician applicants.

Sourced facts: UCNS eligibility

Applicants must be certified by an ABMS board, or an RCPSC or AOA equivalent, in neurology, neurological surgery, internal medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, emergency medicine or pediatrics.

Applicants must hold a current, active, valid, unrestricted license in at least one US jurisdiction or Canada.

Read the UCNS eligibility criteria

Four certification pathways

UCNS-accredited fellowship: 12 or more months, with application within 48 months of completing the fellowship.
Practice track: documented neurocritical care practice after residency, including direct diagnosis and management of the critically ill neurologic patient. Examples in the criteria are 25% of time over 48 months, 33% over 36 months, or 50% over 24 months.
Academic appointment: an academic appointment at a UCNS-accredited fellowship.
Internationally trained faculty: a pathway for internationally trained faculty at UCNS-accredited programs.

What a facility credentialing office should ask for

Planning checklist only. Confirm the records and requested privileges with the facility.

Verify primary specialty board certification.Request the UCNS certificate if the clinician claims it.Verify the clinician’s license.Review the privileges requested alongside the credentials held.

Frequently asked questions

Which primary specialty certifications meet the UCNS criteria?

Applicants must be certified by an ABMS board, or an RCPSC or AOA equivalent, in neurology, neurological surgery, internal medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, emergency medicine or pediatrics.

What does the UCNS fellowship pathway require?

The UCNS-accredited fellowship pathway requires 12 or more months of fellowship training, with application within 48 months of completion.

What license must an applicant hold?

An applicant must hold a current, active, valid, unrestricted license in at least one US jurisdiction or Canada.

Does a claimed UCNS certificate replace facility privileges?

A facility credentialing office should request the UCNS certificate if claimed and review the privileges requested alongside the clinician’s credentials.

Sources

UCNS: Neurocritical Care Examination Eligibility Criteria

General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Confirm details with the source and with your state board, employer or insurer.